Training for College Soccer at Diesel Optimization
Gabby's Journey
At Diesel Optimization, we take pride in developing athletes who are driven, disciplined, and committed to excellence. One of our standout athletes, Gabby, is preparing for the next big step in her soccer career—playing at the University of Kentucky. Under the guidance of Trevor Zwetsloot, a seasoned soccer player and trainer, Trevor has played for the National Premier League club Melbourne Knights in Australia, The MLS New England Revolution in 2022, and the USL Championships side Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the 2023 Player's Shield winning season. Trevor also played in the U-19s Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen in Germany and represented New Zealand in Tahiti and Poland for the 2019 U-20 Men's World Cup.
A Personalized Approach to Training
Gabby’s journey at Diesel Optimization began in January, focusing on rebuilding her strength after overcoming an autoimmune disease. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, her training is highly personalized. Trevor, who shares the same playing position as Gabby, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. His background at IMG and international experience add an invaluable perspective to her development.
One key aspect of Gabby’s training is integrating a professional soccer environment into her workouts. She thrives under high standards, and Trevor ensures that every session mirrors the intensity and expectations of elite-level play.
Balancing Performance and Recovery
Training with an autoimmune disease presents unique challenges, but Diesel Optimization’s holistic approach ensures that Gabby is not only pushing herself to improve but also prioritizing recovery. Trevor has taken the time to research her condition, adapting her sessions to optimize performance without overexertion. The first ten sessions focused on gradually regaining her fitness, ensuring that she built a strong foundation before advancing to higher-intensity training.
Each week, Gabby participates in a structured recap session where she evaluates her progress, sets new goals, and fine-tunes her training plan. This systematic approach helps her stay focused and motivated as she works toward her collegiate aspirations.
The Mental Side of the Game
Beyond physical training, Gabby acknowledges the importance of mental resilience in her journey. Having faced a long recovery process, she understands the frustration that comes with setbacks. Fortunately, Trevor provides more than just technical expertise—he offers mentorship and support, having gone through his own struggles with injuries.
With weekly progress reviews and clear, attainable goals, Gabby stays on track, ensuring that she is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. This structured approach not only accelerates her physical development but also reinforces her confidence and determination.
Looking Ahead to Kentucky
Gabby’s training at Diesel Optimization sets the foundation for her future success at the University of Kentucky. With a program that is goal-oriented, personalized, and designed to replicate a professional training environment, she is building the skills, strength, and mindset necessary to excel at the next level.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and expert coaching. As she prepares to step onto the field in Kentucky, we have no doubt that she will continue to push boundaries and inspire others along the way.
We’re proud to be part of Gabby’s journey and look forward to seeing her thrive at the collegiate level!
